OUR COMPANY
WHO IS 89 NORTH?
We’re bringing optical engineering know-how from the world’s greatest science labs, and putting it to use in pioneering ways across a wide range of industries.
Science
Fluorescence has facilitated the advance of human-kind’s understanding of the cellular world, developing a host of new tools and techniques which allow us to understand our world at a microscopic level, both at its surface and deep within it.
We, in combination with our parent company Chroma and the multiple European specialist firms we represent, have pioneered many of these tools, which is why we’ve become pre-eminent suppliers and active consultants to the world’s leading research institutions.
Innovation
We’re now bringing these same transformational tools, techniques, and know-how to a diverse new set of industrial applications, from medical devices to semiconductors to the automotive industry.
We are applying optical engineering technologies, proven in elite research settings worldwide, to traditional industries. We are transforming the ability of companies to measure, analyze and refine their products with light.
Future
We’re building unique and innovative OEM manufacturing solutions today that will transform a host of industries tomorrow…. and we’re just getting started.
We believe we can help you too. Let’s talk.
THE POWER OF PEOPLE
Pioneering engineering can’t happen without talented people. And talented people work best when they’re supported by a culture that actively nurtures them. That’s why we work so hard on this aspect of our company. We’re honored that our efforts have been validated by earning B Corporation status, and by winning multiple “Best Places to Work” awards. Won’t you consider working with us?
![](https://www.89north.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/89N-Certifications-Lineup-2024.png)
-
-
Meet Some of our Leaders
We have a unique culture at 89 North that deeply values employee inputs and initiatives. That takes a special kind of leadership team, one that’s well versed in not only optical system engineering and applications, but in promoting employee-engaged growth. Collaboration across our organization is key to our success.
-
PATTY SHIRK
Program Manager
Patty has recently joined us, bringing 25 years of industry experience in engineering, operations, project management and leadership in the semiconductor industry. She's also a great community booster, serving on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross (Northern New England Region), speaking regularly at Society of Women Engineers regional and national conferences, and providing mentoring support for a host of STEM professionals.
-
MARA NEUFELD RIVERA (MS, SHRM-SCP)
VP, HEAD OF PEOPLE & CULTURE
Mara doesn't just run our HR, she's the queen bee behind our culture. How talented is she? Well, she's just been voted Vermont's HR Professional of the Year. Outside of work, Mara enjoys family, fencing, traditional bow archery, yoga, and is an active reader of science and history.
-
JULIE MARTIN
VICE PRESIDENT
Julie is a Mechanical Engineer by trade and has been with 89 North since our inception. She oversees all operational activities and steers our business development, product development, and program management efforts. Outside of work, Julie enjoys working out and can be found enjoying the great outdoors and Vermont's farm-to-table cuisine.
-
Newell Lessell
Chief Executive Officer, Chroma
Newell has over 25 years of experience in management and management consulting in a diverse range of industries from automotive to food products. He has overall responsibility for the business and ensuring that we meet our business objectives while holding true to our social values. A former professional mechanic, Newell loves to see things running smoothly. When not working Newell enjoys hiking, biking, and struggling to master classical guitar.
-
-
-
Meet some of our engineers
Our engineering team has won industry recognition for their award-winning work. Steeped in the field of fluorescence microscopy, our engineers are increasingly deploying their skills across an ever wider field of use cases that range from high content imaging systems to industrial inspection equipment.
-
Brendan Gallivan
Systems Engineer
Brendan uses his 20 plus years of experience as he leads the technical aspects involved in the development and lifecycle stewardship of our products. He loves mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, cooking and spending time with family.
-
TIM AMBROSE
SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Tim heads up our electronics design team and is our resident expert on the physics of laser diodes as they relate to the performance and development of 89 North products. He loves hiking, mountain biking, sailboat racing, and working out.
-
Adam Lynch
Electrical Engineer
Adam puts to good use his aerospace engineering experience to refine our many production processes. His responsibilities include quality control, compliance testing as well as assisting with service support.
Adam comes from a family of engineers and scientists, and a discussion of technology might crop up at family dinners. In his spare time, he enjoys tending to his vegetable garden and small farm animals. He also enjoys working on cars in his garage.
-
Violet Nathan
Quality Systems Engineer
Violet works on various continuous improvement projects, providing quality leadership and coordination with our manufacturing and business teams. She's back in Vermont after having spent a decade in Colorado. Violet enjoys spending time with family, friends, chickens and her ducks!
-
-
-
Meet some of our technicians
Our technicians ensure quality control across all of our electro-opto-mechanical products and solutions. We measure tolerances in the nanometers microns in order to ensure we meet and exceed our build quality and delivery commitments and our dedicated technicians are the bedrock of our commitment to quality.
-
TOM LYMAN
Assembly Technician
Tom brings a passion to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Which serves him well as he works in the production assembly of our optical and mechanical components for light management and light source products. He resides in Chittenden County with his wife and golden retriever. Tom’s hobbies include riding his motorcycle and setting up and reviewing photos taken with his trail camera of local wildlife.
-
Sam Staab
Assembly Technician
Sam builds and tests our laser product line offerings. He's an upbeat and friendly presence who is a key part of our company's chemistry.
-
Corey Premo
Assembly Technician
Corey brings a decade of experience to assembling our LDI microscopy and OEM product lines. He's a fun loving person who is rock solid and dependable.
-
TONY COTE
MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN
In addition to building product, Tony provides a vital link in the transition from design to production, informing design aspects as they relate to manufacturability and developing assembly processes. When not in the office, he can be found cooking up a mean BBQ, working in his yard, and playing music with friends.
-
-
-
Meet some of our sales team
Our sales team works with a diverse customer base that includes the world’s most advanced university scientists, medical equipment manufacturers, and even automakers. They have the skills to understand our clients' most complex needs and provide solutions that best fit the situation.
-
BOB TRECROCE
TERRITORY MANAGER
Bob provides a crucial link between our sales and tech support teams to our customers. His passion for solving problems is unmatched. His upbeat personality is sure to put a smile on your face if you're fortunate enough to work with him.
-
ANDREA MESSER
OFFICE MANAGER & INSIDE SALES
Andrea is the backbone of 89 North and has a hand in all areas of the operational side of the business: shipping, receiving, office management, customer service and product support. Chances are, if you call 89 North, Andrea's voice may be the voice greeting you. Outside of the office, Andrea is a Renaissance woman, referring to herself as a "little bit country, a little bit rock and roll."
-
Annie Thomas
Order Management Associate
Annie facilitates sales orders, processes shipments, and is always ready to dive into any project to keep things running smoothly for our customers. When not in the office, Annie enjoys camping, riding her bike, hiking with her dog, and spending time with family. She is steadily achieving her dream of tending a menagerie of farm animals and hopes to be a pumpkin farmer. One of her goals: winning the 89 North chili cookoff!
-
Melissa Glidewell
Territory Manager
Melissa is working with our clients, leveraging her many years experience in microscopy learned while at Applied Scientific Instrumentation. She's now helping a wide range of our end users, including OEMs, distributors, and resellers to reach their potential using our varied products and services.
Melissa's passions include spending time with family, biking, gardening, reading sci-fi, and watching rocket launches. She's always on the lookout for the perfect LEDs for camping.
-
OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES
Our vision
Enable and promote innovation to create a healthier, more capable world.
OUR Mission
The objective is to be a world class supplier of high performing, high quality products. We strive to enrich the inquisitive nature of all who work with and for 89 North to contribute to the arc of technology.
OUR VALUES
Commitment to excellence
Trust and respect in all relationships
Care for our communities
Social partnership
We partner with organizations who align with our commitment to social responsibility.
![](https://www.89north.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/89N-VBSR-Logo.jpg)
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
![](https://www.89north.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/89N-EfficiencyVT-Logo.jpg)
Efficiency Vermont
![](https://www.89north.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/89N-VEC-Logo.jpg)
Vermont Environmental Consortium
![](https://www.89north.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/89N-Mark-NoBackground.png)
ASK AN ENGINEER
Our experts can help you build a custom solution.
![](https://www.89north.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/89N-Need-Help-Banners-Sean-540x800-1.png)
LET'S GET STARTED
We can walk you through our process and provide an estimate.
News & Events
![](https://www.89north.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/89N-News-Post-Imagery-BestPlacestoWork2024-768x576-1-384x216.png)
89 NORTH CELEBRATED AT 2024 “BEST PLACES TO WORK IN VERMONT” CEREMONY
Last Tuesday, a combined team of twelve Chroma Technology and 89 [...]
![](https://www.89north.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/89N-News-Post-Imagery-Template-Evan-Olson-768x576-1-384x216.png)
89 North Welcomes Evan Olson, Mechanical Engineer!
Help us welcome Evan Olson, who has joined us as a Mechanical [...]
![](https://www.89north.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/89N-News-Post-Imagery-Template-Confocal-R1-768x576-1-384x216.png)
89 North, Chroma Technology, and Crest Optics Team Up to Launch Spinning Disk Confocal Packages
We're excited to announce that we've just launched a suite of four [...]